Slender pike cichlid
📖 Overview
A rheophilic species which dwells on rocky bottom rapids with water flow up to 1.7 m/sec. Perches solitary on top of boulders. Forages on rock surfaces and picks mostly on benthic preys; also feeds on micro-crustaceans (cladocerans, ostracods, copepods), immature aquatic insects (chironomids, ephemeropterans, trichopterans) and minute clams .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 18 - 20; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9; Vertebrae: 33. Slender-bodied (body depth 10.5-13.9% SL), with continuous lateral line and 113-129 longitudinal scales. Compared to other congeners, orbital diameter smaller (5.7-7.6%SL versus 7.3-10.6); caudal peduncle depth lower (7.2-8.2% SL versus 8.8-10.4). Ctenoid scales restricted to posterior quarter of the body. Caudal fin rounded. Pectoral fin nearly symmetrical, 8th ray longest, with lower edge slightly thickened .: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Slender pike cichlid is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Slender pike cichlid is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Slender pike cichlid is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical South America: Xingu River drainage, Amazon River basin in Brazil.
🌿 Ecology
micro-crustaceans (cladocerans, ostracods, copepods), immature aquatic insects (chironomids, ephemer
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Slender pike cichlid is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Slender pike cichlid is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Slender pike cichlid has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Slender pike cichlid · Slender Pike-Cichlid |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | pikkutokkoakara |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Jacundá · Joaninha · Sabãozinho |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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